Livingston Reporting - page 329

Important Information Surrounding Medicare Plans and Coverage

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Aging happens to everyone.  It is the one truth that is consistent in life.  Along with aging come certain advantages and disadvantages.  However it is looked upon retirement happens around the age of sixty-five.  Some find retirement as nearing the end while others take on the view that their second lives are starting.  With turning sixty-five, in the United States a “gift” is stowed upon requirement meeting individuals in the name of Medicare.

Medicare is a health insurance program established by the US government to assist in payment of proper health care and expenses related to their health.  Not only does it provide health care assistance to those over sixty-five but also those who find themselves retiring early because of a qualifying disability and health condition.  Medicare insurance covers a portion of care while Medicare Supplemental Insurance can be purchased on an individual basis to cover the remaining portions.

Medicare Supplemental Insurance is not necessary for all individuals.  Medigap as it is often referred to covers gaps within the Medicare policy.  Some individual already carry a secondary insurance that will fill in the voids of Medicare.  This might include people who have extra coverage through an employer or if retired a former employer.  If you opt instead of Medicare to receive Medicare Advantage supplemental insurance is not an option.  This is confusing.  To help clients understand Medicare and the coverage that exists under the plans it is advisable to look into Medicare supplemental insurance comparison charts.

Many insurance companies offer to explain the different Medigap policies but it is best to find assistance from a company that looks into each situation and explores the options and costs associated through many different insurance agencies.  The coverage is completely regulated by the government so the plans consist of the same coverage the differences will come in service and cost from different insurance agencies.  A company such as Senior Health Direct which is web based can offer assistance and free information on Medicare and Medigap Supplemental Insurance Plans.  Another source of information that can be easily accessed through Internet is the Medicare government’s site.

The basic break down of Medicare coverage comes down to two parts; Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.  Part A is often referred to as hospital coverage and Part B is known as medical coverage.  Both of these are provided within the umbrella of Medicare.  The basic coverage states that eighty percent of approved medical costs, doctors and supplies, are covered by Medicare Part A.  Part B provides a specific amount fixed dependent upon the lab service, outpatient treatment and preventatives.  Neither of these base Medicare plans offers prescription coverage.

Medicare Part D is a piece of Medicare Supplemental Insurance that can be purchased at an extra expense.  This can be purchase through independent insurance firms.  This is not the only service Medicare does not cover.  It is imperative to look into the different options available within the supplemental programs.  Some of the things that might be needed that are not covered are; long-term care, only medical necessary nursing homes are covered, private duty nurses, dental, health care outside the United States, cosmetic surgery, routine foot care and eye care are all covered under supplemental plans and not traditional Medicare.

Senior Health Direct

The Future Of Home Construction With Accessible Living Solutions

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Considering that accidents happen at a fairly consistent rate it is probable that at some point a disability will hit with in the home that reduces a person’s mobility.  When an accident occurs it is likely individuals can find themselves dependent upon the use of a wheelchair, walker or scooter device.  Also, as people age the simple act of maneuvering around the home becomes trickier.  Often times these are the points in life that it is realized the space within the home and accesses in and out of the home are compromised and need to be updated.

It is rare that a home is built with the limitations handicaps and aging in place bring.  Most traditional builders do not build with the foresight that narrow doors and an abundance of stairs might eventually be difficult for maneuverability.  Builders don’t build with questions such as “How would I access this narrow door?” or “How would I access this stairway?” with the same thinking as someone with a handicap or some years under their belt.  Consumers don’t often purchase homes thinking about the golden years or the what if’s accident bring.

Accessible living solutions within the home is an industry in which is being grown out of a need that has not been filled with in the home construction industry.  Remodels of this magnitude look at all aspect of aging and handicap needs.  Handicap accessible renovations look into home modifications that make the difficulties aging and handicaps bring and work to lessen if not eliminate them.  Enhancements will improve not only daily life but overall safety as well.

Aging in place is becoming a more viable option for seniors and their loved ones.  Many times people would rather not move late in life and prefer the idea of maintaining independence and caring for themselves.  As long as caregivers can keep them safe with simple modifications this option helps many dreams of independent living a reality.  The same is true when you think of individuals in which have been handicapped naturally or accidently.  Handicap is not a synonym for unable to.  In fact it often makes one more determined to be independent.

This was true when I broke my ankle.  I was handicapped by the fact I could not walk.  Crutches hurt, wheelchairs worked well outside of my home however inside the home was a complete disaster.  I can only imagine the same is true for others with disabilities.

Everyone’s needs are a bit unique.  Some such as me only need to meet a temporary need while others need permanent solutions to everyday dilemmas.  It is important for us to be able to care for ourselves.  Privacy is a premium within the bathroom and dressing areas. Handicap construction teams come into homes and meet with clients to access their needs and values.  This in turn allows them to seek out areas modifications are necessary and ones that are not with accessible living solutions.

A prediction for the future with life spans increasing is that awareness begins within the construction industry.  Homes will be seen with easier access in and out, wider doors will become standard and open floor plans will be on the rise.  It is also important to note that homes will be built with multiple bathrooms in which at least one is built with shower access that does not involve a traditional tub.  Small modifications such as these will allow the next generation to age in place with less issues then what faces elderly and handicap individuals today.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

Deciphering Medicare Eligibility

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Questions arise all the time about Medicare. Eligibility, cost and coverage are the three topics of conversation that are talked about the most.  Eligibility is a topic all in its own.  Most people are under the assumption that the only requirements to qualify for Medicare benefit is that they have turned sixty-five.  That however is not the case. This article will help layout guidelines on eligibility so that it is easy to determine if you fall under the guidelines to qualify for the Medicare benefits and Medigap supplement insurance.

The first group of people we will look into is the group of adults that are sixty-five and older.  Sixty-five is a qualifying age however there are other requirements that must be met to receive Medicare aid from our government.  It is a must that you are a United States citizen or legal resident.  You must also have proof that you have lived within the United States for at least five years.  It is also important to note that you receive Medicare from working at least ten years in Medicare covered employment.

If you find you meet all three of these guidelines it is most likely that just prior to your sixty-fifth birthday you will receive a Medicare card and packet in the mail.  This will detail what Medicare is, what it offers to you and how you start using it for your health care needs.  You are automatically given both Medicare part A and Medicare part B.  Part B can be declined as it is optional and does require a monthly premium.

If you are under sixty-five you can also qualify for Medicare benefits under certain circumstances.  One is if you have End Stage Renal Disease.  Kidney disease does allow you to qualify for Medicare benefits if you are under sixty-five.  Another reason qualifications for Medicare are considered under sixty-five is if Social Security Disability Income has been received for twenty-four months.

Medicare is not the perfect coverage.  It will not cover all of your medical expenses.  This is why it is so important when you finally do qualify for coverage that you look into different Medigap supplemental insurance plans.  Medicare does not cover prescriptions and does require you pay premiums and co-pays.    Additional coverage through the supplemental insurance will help to fill in gaps left by Medicare coverage.

There are multiple items that Medicare part A and part B do not cover.  Below is a sample list of items that are not covered and that additional coverage should be sought out if they are important for your well being both financial and health.

  • Acupuncture is a type of alternative medicine is not covered.  Acupuncture is a treatment that works through the insertion of thin needles strategically placed throughout the body to help cure ailments.
  • Dental care is an incredibly important part of the aging process and is not part of Medicare.  It is advisable if your dental history has been anything less than stellar that you seek out additional insurance to fill the gap left by Medicare.
  • Chiropractic care is also something that many older people rely on that is not covered.  Often time’s doctors of chiropractics will offer discounted rates to seniors.  This is something to think about however when seeking out gap insurance if your doctor is not one that does.

Obviously the list of covered versus not covered is detailed in great lengths through handbooks, websites and pamphlets.  Supplemental insurance providers are a great source of knowledge as they can review your past history with you and based on the pattern that has developed guide you into the right combination of plans.  This way you are not purchasing additional coverage that is not ever going to be utilized.

Senior Health Direct

Options In Window Design

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New construction is an amazing project that entails many different details and options. Not only do you get to consider options in the homes layout but also every option within room design and décor.  Windows are an important part in the equation of new construction.  Along with the exterior siding options, roofing material choices there are also several window options.

Windows can really enhance the look of a new home as do replacement windows in an older home.  There are several options in window.  Each comes with a set of pros and cons so it will be important for homeowners to examine the options available and make the most appropriate choice.

Awning windows are beautiful. The design allows for a light breeze and light.  These windows are perfect in bedrooms where privacy is premium while maintaining light and air flow.  These windows can be situated next to each other, up and down and even above patio or sliding doors to an effect of light and air.  The major disadvantage is that the screens to the windows are set on the inside.  All the dirt that normally falls into the window sill area will fall onto the floor.  Some might think of this as a con however I would rather vacuum it up on a regular basis then have to deal with the nasty of window sill debris.

If you are interested in windows that open outward casement windows are good options.  They allow a side breeze to enter along with fresh air.  Casement windows open with a crank handle and work well in areas that homeowners would need to reach to open the window.  The one concern in casement windows is rusty hardware.  It is important that the hardware is oiled and kept up on to prevent rusting.

If you are looking for easy to clean, super accessible windows double hung windows are a perfect option.  They offer ventilation from either the top part of the window or the bottom depending on the homeowners desires.  This is great for a children’s bedroom where it is advisable that windows are never left open for a child to be able to access. They could push the screen out which could cause them to fall out of the window.  The major disadvantage is that over time they tend to leak more air than others.  The other thing is that only half of the window opens at a time where as others can open up completely.

Picture windows are windows that do not open however leave an unobstructed view of the picturesque outdoors.  If ventilation is desired these windows are not a good choice as they do not allow for that.  These windows are wonderful for areas that light is sought.  Installation high on the wall in darker rooms or halls creates a great source of lightening.  The major drawbacks for picture windows are that they are large panes of breakable glass that have a sole picture of being a view outside.

Some families choose a combination of windows throughout the house.  They are tied together by being created out of the same material and colors.  It is important to note that new windows contain blinds built between the glass.  This option may only be available in a few of the different windows described above.  It is important to do further research if this is an option of interest.

Heatkeeper

Understanding Medicare and Medigap

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So much confusion surrounds Medicare and the different supplemental Medigap supplemental plans.  It is hard to look at the information coming in and decipher what it means to your health care coverage.  In terms understood by many it breaks down to this; Medicare part A and Medicare part B.  From here it is up to the individual to decide if a Medigap supplemental insurance policy is needed.  These plans are paid for by the individual and are for easing the out of pocket amount paid each year in deductibles, copayments and coinsurance plans.

The gap between what is covered and not covered by Medicare is Medigap.  Here is one of the many tricky parts.  Medigap only can be purchased along with an original Medicare plan, part A or part B.  That is correct, reread the last statement.  Medigap supplemental insurance plans are not available with Medicare part C, part D, private health insurance, Medicaid, TRICARE or Veterans’ Admin benefits.

Purchasing Medigap supplement insurance is just as tricky as figuring out if you can buy it.  The one thing that stays true no matter where you purchase the insurance from is that because it is regulated by the laws of the state and Federal government the benefits available are the same to everyone.  Although the coverage remains the same no matter the provider there are differences amongst the insurance companies themselves.  The differences will be in price, administrators of the plan and the available Medigap options.

Medigap insurance supplements are each unique and will want to be picked based upon the need of the individual.  For instance, clients who need help with copayment and deductibles for basic benefits will want to choose Medigap plan A for those are the items that it helps cover.  This plan is attractive for it is the least expensive plan available and is accepted by all doctors who accept Medicare.  Drawbacks come with each and every plan available.  The major drawback to plan A is that it covers basic necessities and not items such as long term care, skilled nursing, vision care amongst several other major areas of expense.

Another option to all of this confusion is Medicare Advantage Plan. This plan is in place of Medicare plan A and Medicare plan B, as well as any Medigap insurance.  Medicare Advantage deals with HMO’s, PPO’s and other options.  The thing to remember is that Medicare Advantage is an option that also allows doctors and hospitals to choose.  They don’t have to take this coverage.  It is a private option not through the government but rather run through private insurance companies.

In the year before you turn 65 it is wise to sit down and go through all of the different options.  You will want to review your needs in the past five years to see medically where money was spent.  This will help you narrow down what options you will need to further discuss with an insurance agent.  They will can help determine what supplement will maximize your benefits while minimizing the out of pocket expense you concur.

Senior Health Direct

Bathroom Safety For Seniors

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The main concern in seniors interested in aging in place is their safety.  It is important for us as caregivers to research safety modifications to improve the safety in each room that they will be using.  Bathroom safety is of utmost importance.  The bathroom is the room in a home in which most accidents occur.  With this in mind it is important to realize the odds increase for an accident when seniors are involved.  The lack of balance and slower motor skills increases the odds ten-fold for an accident to occur.  Thankfully there are many options to increase the safety for loved ones while allowing them to age in place.

Most modifications in the bathroom can be done with just a bit of forward thinking.  Many home modification companies exist to make sure age in place modifications are done correctly. The important part of the equation is to look at the space, evaluate the changes that need to be put in place and upgrade the space to create the most efficient, hazard free space possible for your loved one.

Safety modifications can be done to fit all budgets and safety needs.  Needs may arise slowly and can be addressed as they come up while other situations will require a complete overhaul from the start.  An evaluation will determine the needs of your loved ones in comparison with the space.  This way a plan can be drawn up in order to create a safe and sufficient space. As your loved one ages it is in their best interest to start adding remodeling that favors aging in place.  This is a suggestion to broach with compassion, care and understanding.  Many older loved ones don’t like to face the fact they are aging and might eventually not have the mobility they see in themselves currently.

Some simple safety modifications are;

  • Extra lighting is always a good investment.  It is especially important at night when visibility is low.  Motion lighting is readily available and is helpful for those using walkers who are using their hands to maneuver.
  • Rugs are incredibly common in bathrooms.  For people who are aging they are incredibly dangerous and easy to get caught up in.  Remove them for their safety.  Use an anti-slip mat for the exit of the shower to avoid slipping on tile.  A texture tile is now available and can help prevent the slick surfaces that tile normally represent.
  • Faucets are another area of concern.  Make sure to remove hard to turn faucets in favor of levered ones.  It is also incredibly important to purchase faucets that clearly mark hot and cold.  Many bathroom accidents occur from scalding.  In providing bathroom safety for a senior it is also necessary to check the temperature on the hot water tank.
  • Original toilets can be modified with the addition of a portable high rise seat.  If more permanent modifications can be done it is advisable.  Higher rising toilets can be bought and installed.  Adding safety grab bars to the side and front of the toilet area helps seniors gain their balance.
  • Tub and shower safety is incredibly important.  There are several temporary modifications that can be used and many permanent ones as well.  If the situation calls for budget friendly, temporary solutions tub chairs, transfer benches and grab bars can be installed to promote a safe entrance and exit from the tub.  If more permanent renovations can be done it would be wise to invest in a barrier free entry tub or shower.

It is easy to enter into a new situation and go overboard with modifications that are unnecessary.  This is why it is important to contact an accessible alterations company to evaluate the situation and recommend necessary adjustments to the area.  This is true for all areas of the home and especially important in the bathroom where many hazards exist for loved ones.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

Landscape Maintenance Needs

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The weather here in Michigan is changing and with that comes a change in the needs of our landscaping. The four seasons bring with it a mix of snow, rain, heat, humidity and dry spells.  Is it possible to maintain the health of your lawn with all that this brings?  Yes, however it is important to recognize that your lawns care and needs will change throughout each of the seasons.  It is up to you to keep up with these changes or to hire a landscape company to come in and maintain the landscape.

The fall is upon us here in Michigan.  Laws start to go into a semi hibernating state in which they trap the minerals and nutrients to stay alive throughout the chilly, sunless days of winter.  When looking into fall lawn maintenance it is important to think about it in terms of wrapping the year up.

Lawn fertilization is a must during the “closing” of the lawn season.  When you do this you give your lawn the basic nutrients it needs to stay healthy through the winter.  When fertilizing you will want to first make sure debris such as leaves is removed and the grass freshly cut.  Then before you fertilize you will want to aerate the lawn so that the fertilizer is able to seep deep into the lawn.  This provides what the lawn will miss out on through the cold, sunless winter.

The next thing to think about in fall landscape need is pruning. Many flowers and shrubs need to be pruned back to allow for the new growth of the spring.  It is important to note though that not all trees will benefit from this.  Some trees do not need trimming of any kind and will continue to grow. The same is true with many plants.  Fall is also the time for removing bulbs that are damaged in the freeze and plant those that need the winter to develop and grow in the spring.  Burlap should be applied to all shrubs that are especially fragile and that the frost will damage.  Plants, shrubs and trees can also benefit greatly from some extra food in the form of fertilizer.

Raking the leaves that have accumulated on the lawn is often a huge task.  There are two schools of thought in leaves being raked or allowed to live as they lay.  This is up to individual homeowners.  Leaves can act as a great fertilizer in their own right.  From experience leaves allowed to decay within the Lily of the Valley in the yard act as a major growth hormone for them.  Literally the plant uses that acid break down of the leaves to flourish.  Use discretion when allowing leaves to accumulate on grass.  It is not beneficial to allow all of the fall leaves to stay piled on the ground as they will absorb the little bit of sun that will attempt to get to your lawn throughout the winter.

Fall landscape needs are similar to spring landscaping needs.  We do clean-up in the spring to spruce the lawn up and clean-up in the fall to allow for hibernation and re-growth. Landscaping needs also vary depending on the region in which you live.  The plants that survive and grow here in the North are not the same viable plants that exist in Arizona.  Can you imagine a cactus here soaking up the rainfall that we receive here in Michigan?

Bladerunners Landscape

Stability And Mobility Through Age In Place Renovations

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As loved ones age caregivers need to start putting in place a plan against home accidents.  Aging in place is becoming more common as loved ones are living longer and are more independent than in past decades. Assisted living a popular option also however many senior prefer to maintain their quality of life and independent living for as long as possible.  This leads to aging in place safety procedures being instituted in homes.

One issue that often arises as loved ones ages is the loss of balance and stability.  This often leads to falls that then grow into large issues such as broken hips or fractures.  The best thing we can do as caregivers is to eliminate the possibilities that make our senior higher risk.  It is impossible to offer them more balance on their own so establishing the aid around the house to offer this while removing obstacles is the key element in keeping seniors safe while aging in place.

The main area to begin with is the floors.  This is obvious as it is where mobility happens.  Observe the room.  Look for obstacle as you walk through, in and around the room.  Is there furniture everywhere?  Is it too tight to maneuver with the use of a cane or walker?  Are there rugs scattered about or loose carpets?  How about magazines, papers, dog beds and extra debris that is not necessary cluttering the floor area?  Also examine any cords for lamps, phones and other miscellaneous items often around the home stored on the floor.  Even fan and humidifier cords are hazards in moving about one’s home in a safe manner.

Now that you have narrowed down what needs to be taken care of it is imperative to proceed with a plan that with alleviate the issues permanently.  Picking up newspapers and magazines is terrific however in itself inefficient.  A place to store future items safely is also needed.  Furniture that is over abundant should be scaled down to make room to maneuver safely about.  Throw rugs should not be placed on the floors of homes in which aging seniors are living.  They are just too easy to trip over when balance is already compromised.  Some safety experts allow for double sided sticky tape to be used but it is honestly a better option to rid the home of them.  Cords should be eliminated all together if they are in the path of a walk way.  You can either remove the element that needs electricity or add outlets so that cords can be secured against a wall.

Steps and stairs are tricky enough for older adults.  Make sure that there is plenty of lighting, sturdy handrails and carpets that are secured to the stairs.  Check to ensure there are light switches at the top and bottom of the stairs.  Also make sure that nothing is on the stairs that could act as an obstacle such as books, shoes or laundry baskets.

Kitchen safety, bathroom safety and bedroom safety are also major concerns as caregivers to those who are aging in place.  It is important to make sure everything is in reach and stools are not necessary to reach higher items.  Lighting is also important.  It is hard to maneuver around a room when the light is low.  Install extra lighting and multiple nightlights around the house for easy visibility for loved ones.  The bathroom is the number one spot in the home for an accident to occur.  Ensure safety with the use of grab bars, transfer chairs in the tub and non-slip mats installed.

Preventing falls is the main objective.  Make sure your loved one is getting plenty of exercise and keeping mobility at a premium.  Review medicines prescribed to make sure the side effects do not include dizziness or loss of balance. Have a loved one wear shoes while inside is also beneficial as they offer general support and extra grip to the floor.  If a fall does happen ensure that your loved one knows what to do.  It is important to have phones on every floor and emergency numbers programmed into them encase a fall does occur.  Aging in place does not have to be scary as long as precautions are taken and extra care is given to areas taken for granted by most of us.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

Restoring Families Through Fire Remediation

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The last thing many of expect is to have a fire happen within our home.  The odds are against it.  Think about it.  Out of all of the people that you encounter have any of them experienced the loss associated with a fire in the home?  We were shocked when we woke up to see our neighbors home in flames.  Fire fighters were crawling all about the roof to punch holes for the water hoses.  It was a scene out of a movie.

The most important thing as neighbors was helping in them through the fire restoration process.  Fire remediation is time consuming and requires effort on the part of the home owner.  The pain of this process can be minimized with preparation.  Yes, it is important to think that a fire could happen and be prepared for the disaster it leaves in his path.  The same is true for storm damage, water damage and catastrophes of all kinds.  Preparation can limit the loss.

The absolute most important thing in your home above and beyond any personal possession is the life of family members.  It is important the plan of attack is in place for them to maneuver safely out of the blaze and into a place of safety.  Make sure all your family is on board and are aware of a special meeting spot.  This way when help arrives you are all either accounted for or the location of the missing person can be narrowed down to a certain location within the home for firefighters to focus on their retrieval.

Pets, photos and any and all contents in the home can be replaced and are not worth the safety of any member of the family.  I know many people think of pets as family members and will risk their lives to save them.  This should never be attempted.  The life of a family member and what they bring to your family is much greater than that of a pet.  It is not worth risking human life.

Families should own a fire proof safe.  In it they should keep copies of any important hard to replace documents such as mortgage info, birth certificates and an inventory of the homes contents.  The inventory of the contents of your home and garage will be valuable in replacement through the insurance company.

In the digital age many of us store photos in albums and on computers both which can become damaged in a fire. It is best to upload photos to a digital store so that they are stored forever on an external source and found via an internet site.  Albums are of course not replaceable.  This is one of the hard parts about fire loss.  Memories are destroyed.  Lessen the loss by sending hard copies of photos to loved ones throughout the year in hopes that if needed they are there for you if disaster strikes.

Invest in quality smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers.  These items are all used to ensure minimal damage to your home.  If a fire is caught before it begins to spread it is likely that firefighters can extinguish the fire and prevent fire damage throughout the entire home.

Fire damage can devastate a family.  It will take time to regroup and get back on your feet.  Taking precautions upfront to minimize the distress your family would feel after a fire is helpful and needed for any disaster.  Fire, storms, floods and other forces can cause a need for any of the above.  Taking a bit of caution today will save a lot of time, energy and priceless memories.

Go Maher

Find The Rhythm In Running

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How many times have you started an exercise regime only to call it quits weeks later?  This is fairly common in the word of physical activity.  If it is not something we were brought up doing daily as a family unit it is likely not to be a habit in our adult lives.  This is true with people interested in beginning to run.  Running is an activity enjoyed by thousands of people every day.  It is easy to begin and just as easy to quit.  It is important to recognize this when you start out.  The number one tip anyone can give a new runner is to lace up the shoes.  Once they are on you will have nothing else to do but get moving.  Once the habit is in place for a few months it will become second nature and you will not even know what it is to be without it.  A runner high is something irreplaceable by anything else.

In order to stick with running there are a few tips to make the first few runs more enjoyable until a rhythm is obtained.  The first one is going to sound funny but for beginners it is important in giving the sport of running a fair chance.  My first tip is to run for one minute for each time you go out.  On your first try you go for one minute.  That is it.  Then continue to walk at a moderate pace until you have reached the length of time or distance you were aiming for.  The next day you will increase the amount to two minutes and so on until you are on your thirtieth day running for a full thirty minutes.

The next tip is to physical write down what you are looking to get out of running.  Is it weight loss, strength, flexibility or to run a certain amount of time or mileage?  Why it is important that you are running needs to be written down for examination frequently.  The more you see the goal in black in white, the more likely it is that you will stick to achieving them.

Motivation dies quickly.  In fact after the first week your body is sore, you aren’t seeing any results and it is easy to forget why you started.  Try to change your routine, run with friends, purchase some new running gear or post motivation phrases around you to keep you motivated.

The goal is to become a runner for life.  This is not just a phase this is the new lifestyle.  For this to be true it is important not to overdo it.  Start out steady, don’t kill yourself.  Maybe you will run three times a week, maybe four.  Challenge yourself but don’t feel it is necessary to run every day.  Other activities such as swimming, strength training, biking or tennis will provide you with a change up in activity to avoid runner’s burnout. A written schedule will help with this.

It is also important to have good running form from the start.  You will want to start from day one with stretches before and after a run while also watching how you are running.  Useful information on posture, stride and technique can be found in magazines, the internet and books on running.  This is also an area that a runner friend will be more than happy to help.  Every runners form will be a bit different but good running form right from the start will be habit forming.

Last but not least splurge a little.  It is important to have the right running gear to create a healthy habit.  Running shoes are important and should be fitted by a professional.  They will want to check the heel and arch of your current shoes to see what running shoe is the best fit for your type of foot.  Another thing is a good fitting bra, wicking socks, pants and under shirt.  This will make sure that as you run the moisture is being pulled from your body and not soaking in causing a cold sweat.

These tips should get you started in the wonderful world of running.  Keep at it and put one foot in front of the other day after day and your body, mind and spirit will wreak the benefit. Also, think about how good you will look sporting new running gear!

Elite Feet Running